"Instead of telling us a thing is "terrible," describe it so that we'll be terrified. Don't say "it was a delight," make us say "delightful" when we've read the description."
-C.S. Lewis (on storytelling.)
When you and I read it is absolutely crucial to search out the "what" and "why" of the author's writing. To say otherwise is to err. At the same time, however, it's crucial to know that he or she isn't necessarily always going to tell us word for word, "This is why I'm writing this book!" Nor is he guaranteed to use phrases such as, "This was terrible, and this was wonderful!" He may, and he may not. To use a baseball analogy; no two pitchers throw a curveball the exact same way, so, for the purpose of understanding, (not dropping the ball) we must adapt to each pitcher's style. Failure to do so results in the failure of "not catching" the message, and the author's message flies right over our head, just like in baseball.
What's my point? Well, it's very simple, actually. When you and I read the Bible, God's Word, we constantly need to be searching out the tone and the feel of the author's language, for it is in these that we will find both his agenda, and his aim in writing. The art of language goes beyond just simple "statement sentences." It would be helpful, perhaps, if I were to provide you with an example. Let's use the apostle Paul's second letter to his protege, Timothy. (2 Timothy for those of you who aren't Bible readers.)
Upon first glance, one might take this letter to simply be a list of instructions for how to lead the Church properly, but it's more than that. In Ch. 1:1-7 we see that Paul has an intimate relationship with Timothy who he regards as his own son. Ch. 1:8 reveals Paul is in prison, and the very reason for his imprisonment is none other than the gospel of Jesus Christ. Verses 11 and 12 show that Paul was appointed by God as a preacher of this gospel, and that it is because of God's appointment that Paul now suffers greatly, yet he suffers unashamed. Paul has already been abandoned and deserted by many (1:15; 4:14-16) and he's well aware of the fact that he is about to die (4:6-8). Timothy, on the receiving end of the letter, is a leader in the Church (1:6; 2:2, 14), which is in danger due to the fact that false teachers have crept into their midst and are now perverting and distorting the true gospel (2:14-18, 22-26; 3:1-10, 13).
With all that being said, it slowly becomes obvious to us that this is a very emotional letter. Paul's about to die. These are in essence, potentially his last words to his beloved son in the faith. This has tremendous implications on the choice of Paul's conversation. After all, what's the last thing those close to you say before leave you behind in this life? What does Paul spend his time saying to Timothy? Well, Paul spends most of it pouring his heart out to Timothy over issues such as standing up for the gospel, and being unashamed for it just as he is (1:8, 13-14). "Be like me, son", Paul says to Timothy. He'll admonish Timothy to disciple and pass the standard of sound words onto other men, and to suffer hardship for the faith of their Lord, Jesus Christ (2:1-4). Paul will call Timothy to preach the Word of God faithfully, no matter when, in season and out of season, no matter what, and to see the Word of God as the very hope of salvation. For through it lost men will become wise unto salvation, and through it the Church Paul loved will be reproved, corrected, made righteous, and equipped for all the work God has for them to accomplish (2:15; 3:14-17). Paul would even tell Timothy that the time was coming when no one would give an ear to the preaching of the Word of God, but would raise up teachers to teach their own twisted and disgusting doctrines (4:1-4). What was Timothy to do when this happened?--endure. To preach it anyway, regardless of the fact that no one would listen (4:1-2, 5).
Even though Paul never candidly states, "I'm writing this letter for this purpose", the tone and feel of Paul's writing shouldn't be seen as a simple list of do's and don'ts. It has to be read as a passionate letter of deep concern filled with admonishment and encouragement. Paul's love for Timothy flows like a raging river out of every sentence, as does his deep deep love for the Church of Jesus Christ. His commitment to the one true gospel shines radiantly in both his instructions as well as his warnings. These are the last words Paul would pen to Timothy. This letter is packed with passion, and in it Paul would remind Timothy of the reward of heaven that has been promised to the believer (1:1, 10, 2:10; 4:8).
Understanding all these things makes me read 2nd Timothy so differently. I'll never read 2 Tim. 3:16-17 the same,
"Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions,and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads tosalvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:10-17 emphasis added)
And so, loved ones, "Do not be ashamed," as Paul once wrote to Timothy, "of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel..."
And remember!--Language, most certainly, goes far beyond just simple "statement sentences." How can I conclude this blog? How about by encouraging you to go and read 2 Timothy! In fact, just go read your Bible! Remember: read your Bible, and read it well. Grace and peace, loved ones!
-zach
1 Cor. 2:2
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